Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal Is First Center in New York City to Own Cynosure’s New Elite MPX(TM) Laser System

New York - PRNewswire - Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal on East 57(th) Street is the first laser hair removal center in New York City to own the newly introduced Elite MPX laser system by Cynosure, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of laser and light-based aesthetic treatment systems.

The Elite MPX, which incorporates Cynosure’s patented MultiPlex sequencing technology, is a highly versatile laser aesthetic workstation that combines two gold standard wavelengths in one system: the 755 nm Alexandrite laser and the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, with the capability of using them individually, switching between them, or blending them with the MultiPlex sequencing technology, resulting in customized hair, vascular, and anti-aging treatments to a wider range of patients of any skin type.

“We feel the classic Elite laser has always been the best laser for darker skin types 4 and above,” said Christian Karavolas, owner of Romeo and Juliette. “Now with Elite MPX, sequential pulsing-whether it’s Alexandrite/Nd:YAG or Nd:YAG/Alexandrite- will fine tune our treatments and eliminate the fine hairs. We are especially excited to use the Elite MPX on our Indian customers. A laser that can blend wavelengths enables us to permanently reduce hair without hurting the skin.”

“We are also excited to use the 18 mm spot size,” Karavolas continued. “At 2 pulses per second, we feel it will be one of the fastest lasers on the market and will become the standard in the industry.”

Michael R. Davin, Cynosure President and CEO, commented, “We are very pleased that Romeo & Juliette will be using the new Elite MPX laser system and benefiting from the technological advances that are incorporated into it. In New York City, where there is such a diverse patient population, the Elite MPX will help provide more effective treatments on difficult to treat skin types.”

Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal is located at 38 East 57(th) Street between Park and Madison Avenues in New York City. The center is open seven days a week. For more information, call Romeo and Juliette at 212-750-2000, or visit www.romeojuliettelaserhairremoval.com.

About Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal
Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal uses the world’s most advanced lasers. Its lasers offer optimal wavelengths for hair removal, pigmented lesions, facial and leg telangiectasias, and treatment of sun-damaged skin. Christian Karavolas, owner, has dedicated himself to laser hair removal for the last nine years. Having been educated in Europe, the Middle East as well as the United States, Christian is presently a consultant to various aesthetic laser manufacturers, including Cynosure. Christian has completed numerous laser hair removal training sessions and currently conducts workshops for doctors as well as laser hair removal professionals.

About Cynosure, Inc.
Cynosure, Inc. develops and markets aesthetic treatment systems that are used by physicians and other practitioners to perform non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to remove hair, treat vascular and pigmented lesions, rejuvenate the skin, liquefy and remove unwanted fat through laser lipolysis and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cynosure’s products include a broad range of laser and other light-based energy sources, including Alexandrite, pulse dye, Nd:YAG and diode lasers, as well as intense pulsed light. Cynosure was founded in 1991.

Cynosure, Inc.
800.886.2966
www.cynosure.com

Source: Cynosure, Inc.

PBA and NCA Approve Merger

Merger to create a unified trade association dedicated to the advancement of North America’s beauty industry and professionals

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (November 30, 2009) - The Board of Directors for the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) are pleased to announce that the membership of PBA and the delegates of NCA have agreed to the merger of NCA with PBA as its fourth section of membership. This merger represents another progressive step towards industry unification and furthers the strategic plan to be universally recognized as the catalyst for driving consumer loyalty, member success and the advancement of the professional beauty industry.

The merger will be official on January 1, 2010. Until then, NCA will continue to be managed by PBA. In 2010, NCA will officially join PBA as the fourth membership section, joining the current membership sections for Manufacturers, Distributors and Salon and Spa owners.

“By forming this strategic alliance, all facets of the beauty industry will now be represented by a more unified and efficient trade association capable of maximizing member value and better able to serve the professional beauty industry as a whole,” says Steve Sleeper, Executive Director of PBA. “On behalf of PBA, we welcome the addition of licensed professionals to our membership and feel in the long term, all membership sections will benefit.”

By merging, PBA and NCA will be able to serve their members and deliver upon their respective missions more effectively. By realizing multiple synergies, benefits such as more comprehensive research into the industry’s best practices, a wider array of continuing education, advanced trainings, charitable outreach and networking across multiple channels are expected. Government relations and lobbying efforts benefiting the entire industry will also be combined and will remain a core focus. In addition, members of each association will share in the benefits of the other as appropriate, including free admission to major industry events such as the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) beginning in 2011 and the International Beauty Shows, as well as special pricing to events such as Cosmoprof North America, PBA Symposium and the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).

“We’re excited about this opportunity for the entire professional salon industry to be represented by one unified association,” says Mark Goodman, NCA President. “This merger will allow salon professionals to have access to more advanced education and an opportunity to build their career with integrity, as has long been the NCA mission.

About the PBA
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is made up of salons and spas, distributors and manufacturers dedicated to improving their individual businesses and the industry as a whole. Led by industry volunteers, the association offers: business tools · education · government advocacy · networking · and more.

About the NCA
The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) is the largest organization of salon professionals in the world. Its mission, since its inception in 1921, has been and continues to be to ensure that working salon professionals have the tools and resources available to create career success with integrity.

PBA
800.468.2274 (480.281.0424)
www.probeauty.org

Candela: Looking for a Better Removal Option?

Four Reasons to Trade-In Your Current Hair Removal Laser for a GentleMAX

Attractive Buy Back
Candela will pay* you up to the purchase price of your current device when you upgrade to a GentleMAX.

Superior Hair Removal Technology
GentleMAX features the hair removal capabilities you have been hearing about for years - from the company that has sold more hair removal lasers than any other company in the world.

Great Versatility and Revenue Streams
With GentleMAX, you won’t just be improving your hair removal capabilities, you’ll be adding a whole range of new treatment options; from skin tightening** to pigmented lesions to leg and facial veins.

End of Year Section 179 Incentives
With Section 179 of the IRS tax code, you can deduct the full purchase price*** of any laser from your 2009 gross income, offering you savings of as much as 35% off your new laser.

TRADE UP TO SUPERIOR
HAIR REMOVAL
CLICK HERE!

Candela Corporation
800.733.8550
www.candelalaser.com

Source: Candela

*a trade-in credit will be provided off of the purchase price of the GentleMAX laser.
**skin tightening by reduction of wrinkles.
***offer valid only in U.S. and exclusively for U.S. tax filings.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Wellness Winter 2009

By Paula Simpson, BASc (Nutrition), RNCP

At a time when the traditional food and the cosmetic firms face the challenge of understanding new consumer expectations (in terms of well-being and health), nutricosmetics might provide the ideal answer. Oral cosmetics, beauty foods, and antiaging cocktails define a group of products categorized as “Nutricosmetics.” Nutricosmetics is the intersection between personal care and nutrition. This category of products emerged as a segment of Nutraceuticals and originally gained popularity in Japan and Europe. Nutricosmetics are now hitting the North American market and quickly gaining momentum.

Consumers are becoming more educated on nutrition and the influence nutrients have on total health and beauty. For nutricosmetics, it is only natural that they would seek products and programs from the medical aesthetic community. In their 2009 Consumer Trends Report, ISPA confirmed that consumers will use medical spas and their products for mainly preventative purposes (antiaging, beauty enhancement, nutrition, and wellness based programs). As medicine and wellness become interwoven in the aesthetic industry, consumers will embrace holistic programs and products that optimize total health and promote external beauty.

Nutricosmetics Defined
Oral products promoting beauty from within are developed with specific nutrients to support healthy skin, hair, and nails. Although proper nutrition and a balanced eating plan is a starting point for optimal health, oral beauty supplements offer the right nutrients for healthier skin (to get this amount of nutrients from diet alone can be very difficult to attain on a daily basis.) These products generally contain vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, and antioxidants in their composition that have an effect on overall skin health and beauty.
READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About the Author
Paula Simpson, B.A.Sc. (Nutrition), R.N.C.P. is the Executive Director of Isocell North America and holds a degree in Nutrition. She has over 15 years of experience in consulting, public relations, product formulation, and program development for the Nutraceutical and Medical Aesthetic Industry. Her role as a Scientific Evaluator and Regulatory Consultant for some of the top nutraceutical companies worldwide has solidified her reputation as a leader in research and development for innovative natural health products. As a Project Leader, Paula developed and guided an international weight loss program towards a successful launch in North America and Europe. As the Nutrition Director for a medical spa, she developed a weight management & longevity program that was the impetus for the company’s overall commercial success. Ms. Simpson can be contacted directly at paula.simpson@glisodinskin.com. Visit their website on the worldwide web: www.glisodinskin.com.

Aesthetic Trends & Techologies
Laser & Light Technology Winter 2009

By Patti Owens, R.N., M.H.A., C.M.L.S.O.,
Rockwell Laser Industries, Inc.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.3 “For Sage Use of Lasers in Healthcare” Approaches the Final Sub-Committee Balloting

After 4 years of committee work, the potential 2010 update of the ANSI Z136.3 document is approaching its final stages of balloting within its respective subcommittee. If passed, the next hurdle will be a general vote by a consensus body of the American National Standard Institute. Hopefully, by 2010, the latest version of ANSI Z136.3 will finally be published to provide the latest standards for safe laser use – no matter where they are utilized in healthcare.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a non-profit organization with a national mission to establish comprehensive recommended safety standards for the public sector. The ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers, was updated in 2007 and is the parent document which provides safety information on laser devices in a multitude of industry applications and settings.

This document provides calculations and measurement for establishing laser safety control measures, laser classifications based on their degree of hazards, optical protection, and risk assessment. Aesthetic laser systems tend to be classified as Class 4, which denotes the highest potential for injury due to a direct, reflect, or diffuse exposure along with non-beam hazards of burns, fire, and inhalation exposures.

The current ANSI Z136.3 -2005 “ For Safe Laser Use in Healthcare” is likewise not a regulatory document; however, it has become the national standard of practice for the use of medical laser systems. It serves as the foundation for safety programs not only in hospitals but now more than ever, laser use in physician offices, clinics, medi-spas, salons, malls, and mobile laser companies. If passed, the new ANSI laser safety standard will have a new focus and new look.

The document will reflect current changes passed on an international level with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The new ANSI standard will also refer to newer laser technologies, expanded safety standards, and home use of laser systems.

Even though this document is only a recommended standard, it is universally acknowledged by a variety of state and federal agencies. READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

Visit the Rockwell Laser Industries website: www.rli.com


About the Author
Patti Owens, RN, MHA, CMLSO is presently working with James Brazil, MD, Dermatologist, at the Olympic Dermatology and Laser
Clinic in Olympia, WA. She has managed the laser/aesthetic and marketing program along with performing cosmetic and aesthetic laser procedures under Dr. Brazil’s direction. Patti is also involved with coordination of medical training workshops, preceptorships, and research on a national level. She has been a clinical investigator in the planning and initiation of various FDA studies.

Patti established a consulting business, Northwest Laser Aesthetic, in 1999. She has coordinated regional and national laser education workshops along with hospital and office-based management programs. She has been the Nursing/Allied Health Chairperson of ASLMS and in 1999 received the Nurse Excellence Award. She is presently a national consultant for a variety of laser companies and national organizations including Rockwell Laser Industries (RLI), Dermatologic Nurses Association (DNA), American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and Lumenis Laser Company. She has served on the ANSI Z136.3 nursing sub-committee for 2002 and 2010 revisions. She has recently been elected to serve a three-year term as the nursing allied health representative to the board at ASLMS.

Patti Owens’ past employment includes laser manager at Providence St. Peter Hospital from November 1985 to March 2000. Her responsibilities included program development and supervision of 13 laser systems, implementation of the laser perioperative role, development of an aesthetic laser in-house and mobile program, and enforcement of safety policies as the facility’s acting Laser Safety Officer.

Owens received her B.S.N. from the University of Colorado in 1976 and graduated with her Master’s degree in Health Administration from Chapman University in 1996. Her co-authored book with Pamela Hill, Milady’s Aesthetician Series, Laser and Light Therapy, was published in 2009 by Cengage Learning.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Practice Management Winter 2009

By Katherine Rothman

Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics. Public relations - often referred to as PR - gains an organization or individual exposure to their audiences using topics of public interest and news items that do not require direct payment.

Because public relations places exposure in credible third party outlets, it offers a third-party legitimacy that advertising does not have.

Common activities include speaking at conferences, working with the press, and employee communication. PR can be used to build rapport with employees, customers, investors, voters, or the general public. Almost any organization that has a stake in how it is portrayed in the public arena employs some level of public relations.

What does this definition actually mean to those in the aesthetic industry?

If one is a plastic surgeon, a skin care company CEO, a salon owner, or dermatologist, how is public relations relevant, why is it necessary, and what is the goal of engaging in some form of public relations?

People often understandably but mistakenly confuse public relations with advertising or marketing, and they do not grasp the nuances of each form of promotion. Advertising is the least complex and the most straightforward. It entails figuring out what one’s message is, designing an ad, and choosing media outlets in which to advertise.

Advertising is extremely expensive for all but very large organizations; and it lacks credibility because it is the individual or company making statements or claims about one’s own medical skill, customer/patient care, and results. The bottom line is: “Why should the public believe or trust the message?”
READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About the Author
Katherine M. Rothman is the CEO of KMR Communications, Inc., a New York based PR firm with clients worldwide. The firm specializes in representing those in the medical and beauty fields with a core focus on media coverage. The firm has been in business for 12 years and was voted by PR Week “as one of the top 50 healthcare PR firms in the nation.” Visit the KMR website: www.kmrpr.com, or email Ms. Rothman at: info@kmrpr.com.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Plastic Surgery Winter 2009

By Daniel J. Leeman, M.D.

Combination Therapies Continue to Provide Patients with Non-Surgical Options and Outstanding Results

Eyes are the most prominent feature of the face. The appearance of the eyes attracts constant attention; and unfortunately as we age, the delicate skin around our eyes ages as well. As the upper eyelids age, the skin wrinkles, becoming redundant and less opaque. Wrinkles can be over the lids or extend beyond the eyes to become crow’s feet. Patients often complain that applying make-up has now become a difficult process as the skin does not absorb the eye shadows and eye liners as well on wrinkled skin, and smudging is a common occurrence. As the muscles and skin of the lower eyelids age, they sag, creating bags, bulges, and dark circles. Patients complain that they always look puffy and tired.

The standard of treatment for aging eyes has been a surgical procedure known as blepheroplasty, which is a series of different surgeries for reshaping and adjusting the eyelids. Yet, with the introduction of delicate laser technology and wrinkle relaxers available today, there is no need to go under the knife.

We have so many new technologies at our fingertips which produce exceptional results without surgery; I wanted to offer my patients a non-surgical eyelid rejuvenation option that really works. I have perfected a procedure which utilizes the DOT CO2 fractionated laser with Dysport®, the latest FDA cleared neuromuscular blocking agent which treats severe frown lines between the brows. By combining these two procedures, I am able to target lax or puffy skin, sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines around the eyes with the laser and treat the deeper frown lines and crow’s feet with Dysport, making for well-rounded eye rejuvenation without making any incisions. READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About the Author
Daniel J. Leeman, M.D., is Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. He is the Medical Director of New U Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas. He received his medical degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry in New Jersey and completed his Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery training at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. In addition to his busy Austin practice, he is a national trainer for Cynosure and Eclipse. Dr. Leeman was the Austin Under 40 2006 Winner in the Medical Healthcare Category and was voted Top Cosmetic Surgeon by the Austin Business Journal in 2008. Visit Dr. Leeman on the worldwide web: www.newuplasticsurgery.com.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Organics & Green Winter 2009

By Donya Fahmy, Dropwise

It is official … the Green movement here in the United States has gone mainstream. What was once the province of crunchy granola hippie types trying to save the planet is now almost everyone’s concern, and with good reason. Climate change, over-use of pesticides, other food safety issues, toxins in personal care products, air pollution, rising fuel and energy costs … all these things have taken a tangible toll on our environment and our health and wellness that we can no longer ignore.

While most people want to do the right thing, they don’t always “walk the talk.” With so much information and chatter out there on the subject, it is easy to see why. Whether it is confusion over conflicting ideas, perceived economic barriers to changing behavior, or simply a case of information overload, just figuring out how you can start can be overwhelming.

From the outside looking in, being green seems complicated and hard to do. The truth is, with all the information that is out there and the many resources and new alternatives to help you do it, being green has never been easier!

There are so many little things you can do right now, that when done on a larger scale (i.e. adopted by many people) can have a MASSIVE impact on some of the daunting challenges we face today. 5 Simple Steps…READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About the Author
Donya Fahmy is a green business owner and the creator of Dropwise Essentials’ spa-quality aromatherapy body products that help to safely relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or simply manage an emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. For more free tips and valuable information visit www.dropwise.com and subscribe to the Dropwise Health & Beauty News Ezine or blog feed.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Laser & Light Technology Winter 2009

By Dr. Santiago Alvarez,
William C. Blatter, B.S., M.M., &
Dr. Michael Fuhrman

One out of every three people experience noticeable hair loss. Thinning hair is a challenge that many men have to deal with, but 30 percent of women are also affected. With more than 352 million men and women suffering hair loss in the USA and Europe alone, adding laser treatments to your practice will increase your revenue stream by tapping into this $5.4 billion hair loss market. With an average sale of $3,000-$4,000 per client, physician and aesthetics practice owners are adding more than $200k to their annual revenue with only one new client per week.

What makes this a pristine opportunity for most practices is that you already have a steady stream of potential clients walking in your door. Although men are still a slightly larger percent of hair loss suffers, women are the fastest growing number and the most underserved group. Fifty percent of all women will have thinning hair by middle age, and more and more of them are turning to medical treatments like low level laser treatment for help.

Laser therapy has been widely used for years in vision correction, orthopedic surgery, wound healing, fighting acne, and a wide range of other medical treatments. Although the laser technology was just recently cleared by the FDA to re-grow hair, the Hair Loss Control Clinic (HLCC™)has been utilizing lasers as part of their treatment programs for over 16 years. READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About Hair Loss Control Clinics
The Hair Loss Control Clinic (HLCC) is a recognized world leader and pioneer in hair loss treatment, specializing in laser hair therapy and laser hair treatments for both men and women suffering from hair loss. HLCC has over 94 affiliated hair loss treatment clinics in 21 countries. HLCC offers the region’s only physician-directed laser hair loss treatment programs, including hand-held laser combs, laser brushes, clinic lasers and more. With several patented hair loss treatment products and FDA-approved low-level laser hair therapy, HLCC has been helping clients stop hair loss and re-grow hair for more than 20 years. Visit HLCC on the worldwide web: www.hlcconline.com.

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies
Laser & Light Technology Winter 2009

By Yoram Harth, M.D.

The PRO’s unique third generation RF technology generates a non-ablative, anti-wrinkle, skin-tightening treatment which is both highly effective and virtually painless for the patient. As consumers have become savvier to skin care and laser options, the pendulum is swinging back to more result-oriented treatments. With the limitations of non-ablative lasers, skin tightening devices, and chemical peels, patients are looking for an alternative treatment that offers profound results with fewer treatments, less discomfort, and time in the doctor’s office.

Taking this into consideration, Eclipse has introduced the EndyMed PRO™, the first non-laser and non-lightbased aesthetic device which utilizes radio frequency technology with third-generation 3DEEP™ technology, making skin rejuvenation safer and predictably more effective.

The EndyMed PRO is the first ever phase-controlled multi-source radio frequency device to be cleared by the FDA for the treatment of mild to moderate facial wrinkles. This system has shown in multi-center clinical studies to deliver remarkable results in wrinkle reduction, cellulite improvement, skin tightening, and body contouring.

The PRO delivers deep radio frequency energy which is clinically superior to typical monopolar and bipolar devices on the market today. The PRO’s unique third generation RF technology generates a non-ablative, anti-wrinkle, skin-tightening treatment which is both highly effective and virtually painless for the patient.

The genius of the EndyMed PRO rests in its ability to direct a flow of directed energy into the skin efficiently and safely. The proprietary 3DEEP technology is revolutionary because it penetrates as deep as 9mm into the skin, but applies heat in a controlled manner so that the epidermis is protected. READ ON…Download Article - HERE!

About the Author
Yoram Harth, M.D. is a Board Certified Dermatologist, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He served as a former research fellow at the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University in New York and was a faculty member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr Harth has authored multiple research papers in dermatology regarding phototherapy and photobiology.